EFCC transfers Bobrisky to Abuja for interrogation

Controversial social media personality and crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, who was re-arrested on Thursday night, will face interrogation on alleged bribery and corruption in Abuja. The Bobrisky saga has become a major distraction for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as it plays the ostrich while major financial crimes against the Nigerian state slips through its unstable grips. Examples include the Binance heist and the allegation of the theft of N80billion of Kogi State money by the former governor which prosecutions the EFCC seem to continually mismanage thereby necessitating diplomatic intervention in the case of the former. READ ALSO: YAHAYA BELLO AND THE EFCC SAGE Bobrisky, according to an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, would be flown to Abuja today (Friday). The embattled crossdresser was stopped and removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and detained by immigration officers late Thursday night while attempting to leave the country for London, the United Kingdom. The popular cross-dresser posted on his Instagram page to alert followers about the arrest, stating that he had sustained injuries during an altercation with the immigration officers. Bobrisky alleged that the EFCC was responsible for his detention. He wrote, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.” However, according to sources, his arrest was due to his failure to honour several invitations by the commission following his allegations against the EFCC. Bobrisky had, in a voice note shared by a controversial social critic, Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, allegedly said he bribed EFCC officers with N15m to drop money laundering charges against him. Although the EFCC denied the allegations, it set up a committee to investigate the matter. At a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, had hinted that Bobrisky could face a fresh charge from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC were false. Uwujaren stated that one could be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission. However, a top source in the commission said on Friday that Bobrisky was picked up to prove his allegations against the EFCC. The source said, “We have arrested him in Lagos today and will be flown to Abuja today. He accused us of bribery and corruption; we invited him severally, but he did not show up. He who alleges must be ready to prove. Those allegations are too weighty to allow slide. “Also, remember that he has also refused to show up at the National Assembly on the matter. We are left with no other choice than to pick him up so that he can substantiate his claims. And that is what we have done. “ When contacted on Friday morning, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Bobrisky’s arrest. “Bobrisky is on his way to Abuja as we speak,“ he added.

Immigration confirms Bobrisky’s Arrest at Seme Border

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of social media personality, Idris Okuneye Olanrewaju, (aka Bobrisky) at the Seme border while attempting to flee Nigeria. Bobrisky was apprehended on Sunday night as he tried to exit the country for the Benin Republic. In a statement on its official X page, the NIS emphasized its commitment to border security, stating, “Okuneye Idris is a person of interest due to recent public concerns. Inspiration for the arrest follows allegations made by social media activist Martins Otse (aka VeryDarkMan) that Bobrisky was trying to evade legal issues related to a bribery scandal involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Nigeria Immigration information reveal that Bobrisky is currently undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.” The Crossdresser got himself embroiled in faceoffs against the law following abuse of the naira at a [ub;ic event, incarceration and massive outbursts about bribing the Nigerian custodial authorities and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These issues were too nuch for him to handle as he had been reported to be contemplating suicide. This decision to flee Nigeria may have been his last contemplations.

Bobrisky: House of Representatives To Investigate EFCC and Correctional Service on October 21

The House of Representatives Committee will investigate corruption allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) during a visit to their Lagos offices on October 21, 2024.  The probe stems from accusations made by the crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, who claims he paid N15 million to have money laundering charges against him dropped. The investigation follows Bobrisky’s conviction for naira abuse on April 5, 2024, resulting in a six-month prison sentence.  He was released on August 5, amid claims of receiving preferential treatment while incarcerated.  The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered an investigation into the matter, leading to the suspension of two Deputy Controllers of Corrections from their posts at the Kirikiri custodial facilities. Recent testimony by social media influencer Martins Otse revealed recorded conversations in which Bobrisky purportedly claimed he did not serve time in a prison but rather stayed in a private apartment.  Bobrisky allegedly stated that he was granted this arrangement due to influence from a “godfather” who intervened on his behalf. Otse also shared additional audio in which Bobrisky mentioned paying N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to seek a Federal Government pardon for the money laundering charges, although the SAN initially requested N10 million.  The discussions raised questions about the integrity of the legal and correctional systems. Following the committee’s visit to Lagos, they plan to summon Bobrisky for questioning.  The committee’s chair, Ginger Onwusibe, indicated that a date for this hearing would be set after the visit. ReplyForwardAdd reaction

Falana Dismisses Claims of Charging for Pardon Letters

Issues a 24-hour ultimatum for a retraction of the false statements associating him with Bobrisky Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has reiterated that he never demands payment for writing letters of pardon. The learned silk emphasizes that throughout his 42-year legal career, his practice is rooted in the pursuit of justice, not financial profit. Falana clarified that he does not charge fees for interventions in cases of injustice.  He highlighted several instances where he provided legal assistance without financial gain, including securing the release of six Nigerians wrongfully detained in Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The lawyer addressed recent claims linking him to a N10 million pardon request for Bobrisky, describing the allegations as baseless.  He maintained that his integrity remains intact, assuring his family and the public of his commitment to justice. In response to the allegations, Falana issued a 24-hour ultimatum for a retraction of the false statements associating him with Bobrisky.

Bobrisky/EFCC Investigation: HoR bars media coverage

The House of Representatives has prohibited journalists from covering the investigation into the N15 million corruption accusations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) related to the prosecution of Bobrisky.   This decision follows an earlier invitation extended to the press to report on the proceedings.   The Joint Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Services of the House of Representatives has officially informed the House press corps that reporting on the investigation into serious corruption claims involving the EFCC and NCS in the Bobrisky case is prohibited.  

Why Bobrisky Was Provided ‘Special Place’ – Prison Experts Explain

Prison experts have elucidated on the controversies surrounding where crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, widely recognized as Bobrisky, served his prison terms for his naira abuse case.   Bobrisky was released from prison on August 5 after serving a six-month prison sentence for abusing naira notes, as handed down by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos on April 12, 2024.   However, there have been controversies regarding Bobrisky’s jail term.   On Tuesday evening, prominent influencer Martins Vincent Otse, also referred to as VeryDarkMan shared a voice recording purportedly featuring Bobrisky, in which he allegedly confessed to bribing EFCC officials with ₦15 million.   In the recording, Bobrisky stated that the ₦15 million was intended to persuade EFCC officials to dismiss the money laundering charges against him.   Additionally, the crossdresser asserted that he did not spend any time in prison following his conviction and subsequent six-month sentence.   However, amid a series of speculations and investigations commenced by concerned bodies, prison experts have explained the reasons behind the segregation of the controversial crossdresser from other inmates at the correctional facility while refuting allegations regarding the existence of a VIP section.   During an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Friday, Bishop Kayode Williams, the Director General of the Prison Rehabilitation Mission, detailed the various accommodations allocated to inmates according to distinct classifications.   According to him, there was a need to provide Bobrisky with a special place different from other inmates in order to protect him from danger.   Williams feared that homosexual inmates might take advantage of Bobrisky’s body features if he was not separated from them.   He said, “There are accommodations for condemned prisoners, those sentenced to death, who must not mingle with other inmates. The second accommodation is convicted inmates, who are the owners of the prison.”   Speaking further on Bobrisky’s situation, Williams said: “The accommodation that is provided for males, are they going to bring Idris with his transgender body /look to go and sleep in the general cell? The first thing they do is decide how to treat someone like that.   “They provided him a special place for protective custody because, with his appearance, he would be in danger. He looks like a woman, moves like a woman, and there are homosexual inmates who would be willing to take things to extreme lengths.”   On his part, former National PRO of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis Enobore, corroborated Williams’ comments, explaining that the service profiles each inmate for both their safety and the general prison environment.   “Yes, he confessed in court that he is a man but he came in bodily showing that he is a woman. Some of the people behind bars are unrepentant homosexuals. There is no doubt that if care is not taken, we will have a very serious security situation on our hands,” he said.   However, Enobore refuted claims of Bobrisky being given a private section, stating, “There’s no such thing as a private apartment or anything special in the prison.”  

Naira Abuse: Bobrisky appeals against sentence

Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, A.K.A Bobrisky has approached the Appeal Court, challenging the six months sentence given to him by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos. He pleaded guilty before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the court on a four counts charge bordering on naira abuse proffered on him by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, the court on April 12 sentenced Okuneye to six months imprisonment without an option of fine to serve as a deterrent to others fond of abusing and mutilating the naira. Not satisfied with the verdict handed to him, Okuneye, through his counsel, Mr Bimbo Kusanu, has approached Court of Appeal, praying it to set aside the sentence. Specifically, Bobrisky is asking the court to replace the sentence with an option of N50,000 fine on each of the counts. In the notice of appeal, he submitted that the trial court imposed the maximum sentence on the appellant, who had no previous criminal record of conviction. He stated that there were options to impose a lesser sentence by the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He averred that the sentence imposed by the trial court against the appellant was punitive and contrary to the mandatory provisions of the ACJA. The appellant stated that the trial court did not consider the positive antecedent of the appellant, who did not waste the time of the court by pleading guilty to the charge. He stated that the appellant honoured the invitation of the respondent on the first invitation. He said that the trial court failed to exercise its discretion judiciously and judicially in sentencing the appellant, explaining that such an act had occasioned a miscarriage of justice against his client.

Abuse of Naira: Court convicts Bobrisky, gives judgement April 9

The federal high court sitting in Lagos, Friday convicted controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for abusing the Naira. Justice Abimbola Awogboro convicted him after the review of the facts of the case. The judge also ordered that he should be returned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody pending the judgment on April 9th, 2024. Bobrisky had, in his defense, told the court that he was not aware of the law on abusing the naira. He said that he is a social media influencer with over five million followers. The court, in its ruling, held that ignorance of the law was not an excuse. He said, “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money. “I would do a video on my page, and I will educate people about spraying money. “I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions.” Earlier, Bobrisky was arraigned on four counts of naira abuse preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The cross-dresser who refers to himself as “Mummy of Lagos” pleaded guilty to the charges.

EFCC Launches Investigation into Bobrisky’s Alleged Naira Abuse

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Command, has launched a probe into the actions of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, for purportedly spraying Naira notes. The investigation stems from a video circulating online, showing Bobrisky allegedly flaunting bundles of new Naira notes at the premiere of the movie “Ajakaju,” produced by Nollywood actress and producer Eniola Ajao. The event took place at Film One Circle Mall in Lekki, Lagos, on March 24, 2024. According to sources, this is not an isolated incident, as Bobrisky is suspected of engaging in similar activities at various event centers and parties on multiple occasions. Responding to the EFCC’s invitation, Bobrisky arrived at the Lagos Zonal Command on Wednesday morning, April 4, 2024, for questioning and provided his statements voluntarily. Upon the conclusion of investigations, Bobrisky is expected to be formally charged in court.